The title “Exemplary School in Building Startup Ecosystem” was honorably bestowed upon Mien Trung Industry and Trade College at the Startup Festival 2024, launching the National Startup Program for 2025, which took place in the capital city of Hanoi on 14/12/2024.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that VCCI has implemented this activity to honor and encourage units to continue making greater contributions to the Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam. To honor these units and encourage them to continue making significant contributions, VCCI collaborated with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the National Startup Advisory Council to establish a council and conduct selection of exemplary Localities and Universities in building the startup ecosystem in 2024.
Participating in the event were Dr. Tran Kim Quyen – Party Secretary, Chairman of the Board, Rector of the Central Region Industrial and Commercial College – Design Thinking Community Advisor; and Master Vo Van Loi – Director of MITC’s Enterprise Incubation and Innovation Center.
The Startup Festival 2024 program included activities such as: The 2024 National Startup Forum to discuss and propose support policies, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation; Announcing and awarding outstanding startup projects of the year; Presenting titles to exemplary local and college/university ecosystems for innovative startups; Launching the National Startup Program 2025.
MITC’s Journey in Building a Startup Ecosystem
MITC Participates in Vietnam’s Design Thinking Village Program
Starting from 2016, MITC organized numerous seminars, roundtables, and startup competitions to spread the spirit of innovation to students. The “Startup Ideas” contest became an annual event, attracting hundreds of students, businesses, and startups in each round, helping to promote entrepreneurial passion among young people.
In 2018, MITC officially established the Enterprise Incubation and Innovation Center. This was not just a milestone marking the school’s development but also demonstrated a strong commitment to building a comprehensive and sustainable startup ecosystem. The center focused on creating a comprehensive support environment for students and potential startups, from skill training and strategic consulting to connecting with financial resources and strategic partners, and has achieved impressive results:
- Provided communication support for over 40 startups, helping creative ideas reach the market and community.
- Organized more than 20 workshops at various levels, creating spaces for academic exchange and resource networking for innovative entrepreneurship.
On 08/10/2023, the National Student Creative Learning Hub was launched in Phu Yen with 7 members. The Hub is a voluntary social organization comprising individuals and organizations participating with the purpose of training, advising, consulting, and sharing knowledge and experiences about innovative entrepreneurship for projects and activities with community responsibility, contributing personal values to society. Its aim is to develop innovative activities for students at MITC in particular and in Phu Yen province in general.
In 2024, MITC continued to demonstrate its pioneering role by co-organizing the launch of the Phu Yen Local Talent Network. This program develops and facilitates local support by expanding the regional connection of the Design Thinking Village (under Techfest Vietnam) to connect young talents, businesses, and social organizations in Phu Yen, creating a support network for the development of local startup projects. This network not only helps gather talents but also serves as a bridge between creative ideas and investment resources, creating opportunities to solve local problems.
Top 3 and the Only College to Receive the “Exemplary School in Building Startup Ecosystem” Title
Dr. Tran Kim Quyen (in the middle) – School Rector – receiving the “Exemplary School in Building Startup Ecosystem” award.
Through practical actions in recent years, MITC has affirmed its role as a key nucleus in developing the national creative and startup ecosystem. At the Startup Festival 2024, Mien Trung Industry and Trade College was recognized and honored as the only college nationwide to receive the title “Exemplary School in Building Startup Ecosystem”.
The “Exemplary School in Building Startup Ecosystem” title at the 2024 Startup Festival is not just a pride for Mien Trung Industry and Trade College (MITC) but also a tremendous motivation for MITC to continue pioneering in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. MITC commits to continuing investment in developing the Enterprise Incubation and Innovation Center, expanding its network with businesses and international organizations, and maximally supporting students in realizing their business ideas. With its extensive experience and comprehensive support, MITC is confident it will continue to make positive contributions to the development of Vietnam’s startup ecosystem, nurturing and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
By Dinh Phu
